Iran to enhance trade with Asian countries

Iran, Pakistan look forward to trade collaborations together.

ISLAMABAD: Iran and Pakistan can increase trade with each other and the private sectors of both countries should come forward to exploit these trade opportunities, said Iran’s Commerce Minister Mehdi Ghazanfari, while addressing a meeting at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

Ghazanfari highlighted that the purpose of his visit was to look into issues hampering trade between the two countries.

Iran’s exports exceed $150 billion, while it imports goods worth $50 billion and now it seeks to enhance trade with Asian countries, added Ghazanfari.

“Pakistan can export pharmaceutical products, halal food and meat to Iran. These items are currently being imported from Australia.”

ICCI President Mahfooz Elahi said that the quantum of trade between the two countries had crossed $1 billion, but the Iranian side should address the issue of high tariffs and non-tariff barriers.

Elahi pointed out that import duties on Pakistan’s textiles, garments and surgical goods exceed 50 per cent and should be reduced because such trade restrictions are giving a rise to smuggling.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2011.